The Most College-Dense Cities

Just out of sheer curiosity, which city has the most colleges and universities? Also, which city has the most colleges per capita? Does the number of institutions influence the city's culture and opportunities available for internships and work?

Boston, Massachusetts, is often cited as the city with the highest number of colleges and universities, with over 30 degree-granting institutions in the city proper and many more in the Greater Boston area. This includes renowned institutions such as Harvard, MIT, Boston University, and Boston College, just to name a few.

When it comes to the greatest number of institutions per capita, Claremont, California stands out. Home to the Claremont Colleges, a consortium of seven higher education institutions within a square mile, Claremont has a high density of colleges for its relatively small population.

The number of colleges and universities in a city can definitely influence its culture, economy, and opportunities. Such cities often have a bustling, intellectually stimulating environment with numerous cultural events, public lectures, and festivals. They also tend to attract businesses and industries tied to academic fields, leading to a diverse range of internship and career opportunities.

In Boston, for example, there's a prominent tech, biotech, and healthcare sector supported by the area's universities. Having so many institutions in close proximity often leads to collaboration and shared resources, which can create a hotbed for innovation and advancement.

In contrast, a small city like Claremont still sees the influence of colleges. The presence of the Claremont Colleges helps shape the city's cultural and intellectual landscape, creating a collegiate town atmosphere.

Do bear in mind that while there's a lot of benefits, some downsides could include higher costs of living and possible "town and gown" divides, which is sometimes tension between the student and non-student populations.